In February Sabine and I had the chance to visit Los Cabos. I was intrigued to discover this destination which plays host to many of the hotels we look upon as competition. I was initially there on meetings staying at the Westin Los Cabos – well remembered for its breathtaking design and great spaces. I loved many aspects about this property including the poolside restaurant and bar. A few days at the Sheraton en Cabo del Sol – great location, great beach and the whole feel of the hotel is very warm. Being able to go to mass right in the hotel with a cute little chapel was something unique. The Sheraton had the only beach of the 4 hotels we visited fit for swimming – an important point when going to the beach for a holiday.
A little about the Golf in Cabo del sol – A world-renowned Jack Nicklaus Signature design stretching for more than a mile along a coastline of craggy rock outcroppings and sun-washed shores. This championship layout is praised by Nicklaus himself for having the “three finest finishing holes in all of golf.” The 5th and signature 17th holes are highly ranked among my favourite holes.
Our next stop for a couple of nights was Ventanas al Paraiso – renowned and an icon in Los Cabos – the room was exquisite as were the amenities. Service was special and we enjoyed Valentines night in their Grill by the beach. The beach is nice however not recommended to have a dip as the waves are somewhat dangeouros. All in all Ventanas certainly lived up to its expectations especially so in the accommodations.
Golf nearby you have Cabo Real – designed by Robert Trent Jones II has what is considered the toughest front nine of golf in Los Cabos. It has three spectacular ocean front holes and the 1st nine are certainly tough. We had a great round I recollect shooting a 84 finishing strongly on the easier back nine.
Off we went to the One & Only Palmilla – a benchmark in terms of luxury hotels in Mexico and the globe. Lots of staff, lovely room and amenities, a little beach where one can swim. Sabine and I had dinner at the Market resto by Legendary restaurateur and Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten whose menu features Euro-Asian cuisine with Mexican inspirations and enjoyed a wonderful meal with efficient and friendly service all round.
A tough choice between One & Only and Ventanas however if I was made to decide I would most likely choose One & Only – the variety of food and beverage offerings, its beach and while the room may fall short vs. Ventanas I believe the former as very important at the end of the day.One&Only Palmilla Los Cabos golf resort was Jack Nicklaus’ first signature course built in Latin America comprising a 27-hole layout with three nines, Arroyo, Mountain and Ocean. From towering cacti and deep arroyos to breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez, the par-72 course features stunning fairways of more than 7,000 yards and was indeed a challenge and pleasure to play all 27 holes on a bright sunny day.
In terms of Golf – we would go for Cabo del Sol – the layout, the on course service and some unforgettable holes put this course ahead by a neck.
All in all we loved Los Cabos – it is a desert surrounded my man made gardens, golf and hotels so it does lack natural tropical beauty which what Punta Mita has and makes it in my humble opion superior.